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Green Zone Turned Over to Iraqis

US transfers control of Baghdad's fortified enclave

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 1, 2009 8:55 AM CST

(Newser) – The heart of the US occupation in Iraq was returned to Iraqi control at midnight last night, the Washington Post reports. Iraqi soldiers now control checkpoints leading to the heavily fortified Green Zone enclave in Baghdad. American troops and workers have moved out of many buildings, including the former palace of Saddam Hussein that once served as a US embassy.

Officials plan to maintain several secure American compounds within the zone, but will open other areas to more traffic if the security situation allows. Iraqis hailed the highly symbolic transfer, mandated in the new security agreement, although some privately expressed fears that the Iraqi forces may not be able to secure the area without American help.

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Troops guard the bridge leading to the heavily fortified Green Zone during the sentencing of former leader Saddam Hussein in Baghdad in 2006. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed, File)

US Army soldiers walk under the "crossed swords" monument in the US-protected Green Zone in Baghdad last month. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)

A US soldier stands guard in front of the Hands of Victory arch in Baghdad's Green Zone earlier this year. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

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CNN's Jill Dougherty explains the 'Green Zone' as the Iraqis take control. (CNN Video)

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This is the end of the world as we know it. It's not like everyone is shredding documents and fleeing Saigon. But we are stepping away from a building. - Sgt. 1st Class Patrick McDonald, co-author of a guide to historic sites in the Green Zone.

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Green Zone Turned Over to Iraqis